Iraqis look to gemstones for psychological, physical treatment
Iraqis are increasingly buying precious stones, which they believe have therapeutic capacities, can give energy and strength, protect them from envy and fend off dangers.
BAGHDAD — Ali Jaafar’s search to find a cure for his daughter’s depression ended when he visited an oracle in Najaf, about 60 kilometers (37 miles) from his home in Babil province.
Jaafar told Al-Monitor he had consulted psychiatric clinics for two years. His daughter was prescribed a variety of drugs, but to no avail. However, the oracle was able to treat her with a stone necklace at a cost of $100. After wearing the necklace for a month, she responded to the treatment and the symptoms of depression significantly declined, he said.
